Mozzi
https://imgur.com/user/BAMozzy/posts
- Joined
- Jun 2, 2018
- Messages
- 4,155
SEs are not Cores. Just in case that is not super obvious to everyone. SEs are cool and good quality, but the difference is substantial. Don’t let looks and marketing hype deceive you. But if you want an SE, absolutely buy it. They are good.
Of course an SE is not a 'Core' but it gets very close to offering something 'similar' for less than 1/4 of the price. I'd like to see you try and buy something closer to a Core DGT for less than $1k - which is the WHOLE point. Not everyone has the money and/or could even justify spending that much on an instrument at their current stage of life, where they are in their 'musical' journey.
When I started, if you wanted a 'Gibson LP' or 'Fender Strat', you bought an Epiphone or Squire because Gibson/Fender models were 'too' expensive. The Gibson/Fenders were 'aspirational' instruments for if you made it big, won the lottery, got a recording contract etc - not something you 'bought' to learn, to start a band, start gigging etc. A Lot of pub bands would be using Asian made versions of 'high-end' guitars or some old beat-up used Gibson/Fender they got cheap. I wish the SE range had been around back then...
I see numerous artists playing SE's, recording, gigging etc Holcomb is a great example of someone who uses his SE signature guitars to record, gig, write etc.
For some people, the difference in Cost between an SE and a Core does not make financial sense. The SE gets very 'close' to offering the sound of a Core and paying 4x more for a core for 'little' differences isn't worth it. Another person though will say that all those 'little' differences add-up, the 'Premium' cost is certainly worth it to have the 'best' materials, best hardware etc. Some will say that multiple piece bodies/necks, even tops, make 'no' difference so not worth paying 'more' for - its still 'mahogany' with 'Maple' caps and rosewood fretboards. Some that will say a pickup doesn't know if its wound in China, Indonesia or the USA, steel/brass blocks/saddles are just 'different' not better/worse, and whether you have Mother of Pearl or Mother of Toilet Seat inlays makes no difference to sound so not worth paying extra for. Some may also say that a veneer looks as good, if not better than most 'solid' maple tops too. the 'shallower' carve of the SE too may feel more 'comfortable' and the lack of recessed back-plates doesn't affect the playability - its just a 'cosmetic' upgrade. Not 'everyone' feels that a Core is going to offer them the 'best' bang for buck when an SE gets that 'close' for a LOT less. For some, an SE offers the perfect balance of cost vs quality - the difference is 'not' substantial enough to 'justify' the extra cost to them.
I know that for some, only the 'best' will do but I also think that these are aspirational instruments for some too. - when I get 'good enough', when I can make enough money, when I become famous guitars. I don't see anyone recommending a 'Core' PRS to beginners/students for obvious reasons (although if they have the money to spend, its still their 'choice' to learn on a core) and an SE can still seem 'expensive' if you aren't earning a lot.
It does kind of bug me when people compare an SE directly to its 'core' counterpart - a guitar that costs 4x as much - and 'expects' it to be identical instead of being impressed that they have managed to make a much cheaper version of the core that sounds as close as it does, feels as close as it does and is as 'good' as it is for less than a quarter of the price - so not 'just' the rich and/or famous can now get these instruments. You could buy an SE DGT, SE Silver Sky, SE 594 and SE Cu24 for around the 'same' cost as a 'core' DGT, which may suit someone and their specific situation/needs much better. If you 'only' have up to $1k to spend on a guitar, then you aren't even considering buying a 'Core', the SE maybe the 'best' option for them in that price range and should be 'compared' to other guitars they could buy for the 'same' price.
Also, if you want 'something' different, an SE may offer the right mix of affordability and quality. I wouldn't want to spend $4k+ to find out I don't really like a 7 string, don't use the 'Floyd' enough to warrant buying a Core Cu24 Floyd, can't justify the cost of a HBii with Piezo etc etc but buying an SE maybe the perfect option.
Its a bit like saying an Epiphone LP isn't as 'good' as a Gibson Custom Shop R9, but if you only have enough money to buy an Epiphone, that guitar does 'everything' an R9 does, sounds like a 'Les Paul' to their audience, their ears and maybe one day, they'll be 'good' enough, rich enough to warrant upgrading to an R9, but right now, their Epiphone is 'perfect' for them - not too scared to play it in case they 'scratch it' and delivers the 'right' sound for their budget.